January 2025 Exhibit
Aaron Murray
Breadcrumbs
January 11 – February 3
We are excited to be presenting the first solo exhibition for Astoria based painter and tattoo artist, Aaron Toledo. Toledo who relocated to Astoria in 1999 from Kansas City owns and operates Keepsake Tattoo, our neighbors here on 11th Street. His intimate figurative oil paintings explore the relationship between people and the space they occupy. With a muted palette over vibrant color, he builds layers to construct dynamic composition, letting remnant of underpainting show through, much like the imprint of life experiences on an individual. He brings moody and gestural content, through glimpses into people’s personal world, a direct look at reality of moment and fleeting honestly of contemplation. Stop in to meet Aaron who will be available to answer questions about his new series Breadcrumbs, during Astoria’s Artwalk, Saturday, January 11th from 5 – 8 pm. The exhibition will remain on view through February 3.
For several years running, Aaron Toledo’s portraiture work has been included to Imogen’s annual invitational portraiture exhibition, Facing You. His distinctive style has over the years become quite respected by art enthusiasts and collectors. His focus on subject matter has always been humanity, from the daily trivial moments of everyday living to the grander moments of life but always from a perspective of a candid and unobtrusive portrayal. His small scale and intimate oil paintings explore the relationship between people and the space they occupy, “zooming in on moments as if they are memories, exploiting the perceptions that energize these small captures of time”.
As a non-academic artist his education and career in art has been far from traditional. Utilizing his skill with rendering through ink on skin, his painting style has evolved to gestural nuance, sometimes obscured and distorted, leaving behind the exacting line element of his first career as a tattoo artist. About this series he states: “Breadcrumbs, my cumulative work from 2024, invites us to share our experience of simply being present and alive with what we know at any given moment. It was intentional in the work to show layers. Often, I tinted the supports in bright colors, painting over the high chroma in muted tones. Purposefully leaving behind small glimpses of the under painting. Others were glazed with higher chromatic colors over the earthy underpainting. Something we notice, something that pulls us, something that we don’t know exactly what it is but we can’t ignore. At times it beholds us swiftly and others it’s barely noticeable but lingering and builds eventually becoming part of us, if we listen.”
Aaron Murray
Breadcrumbs
January 11 – February 3
We are excited to be presenting the first solo exhibition for Astoria based painter and tattoo artist, Aaron Toledo. Toledo who relocated to Astoria in 1999 from Kansas City owns and operates Keepsake Tattoo, our neighbors here on 11th Street. His intimate figurative oil paintings explore the relationship between people and the space they occupy. With a muted palette over vibrant color, he builds layers to construct dynamic composition, letting remnant of underpainting show through, much like the imprint of life experiences on an individual. He brings moody and gestural content, through glimpses into people’s personal world, a direct look at reality of moment and fleeting honestly of contemplation. Stop in to meet Aaron who will be available to answer questions about his new series Breadcrumbs, during Astoria’s Artwalk, Saturday, January 11th from 5 – 8 pm. The exhibition will remain on view through February 3.
For several years running, Aaron Toledo’s portraiture work has been included to Imogen’s annual invitational portraiture exhibition, Facing You. His distinctive style has over the years become quite respected by art enthusiasts and collectors. His focus on subject matter has always been humanity, from the daily trivial moments of everyday living to the grander moments of life but always from a perspective of a candid and unobtrusive portrayal. His small scale and intimate oil paintings explore the relationship between people and the space they occupy, “zooming in on moments as if they are memories, exploiting the perceptions that energize these small captures of time”.
As a non-academic artist his education and career in art has been far from traditional. Utilizing his skill with rendering through ink on skin, his painting style has evolved to gestural nuance, sometimes obscured and distorted, leaving behind the exacting line element of his first career as a tattoo artist. About this series he states: “Breadcrumbs, my cumulative work from 2024, invites us to share our experience of simply being present and alive with what we know at any given moment. It was intentional in the work to show layers. Often, I tinted the supports in bright colors, painting over the high chroma in muted tones. Purposefully leaving behind small glimpses of the under painting. Others were glazed with higher chromatic colors over the earthy underpainting. Something we notice, something that pulls us, something that we don’t know exactly what it is but we can’t ignore. At times it beholds us swiftly and others it’s barely noticeable but lingering and builds eventually becoming part of us, if we listen.”
December 2024 Exhibit
Hook, Pulp & Weave
A celebration of fiber as art
We’re excited to host the annual Hook, Pulp and Weave once again, a rich and diverse invitational exhibition exploring fiber as art, opening in conjunction with Astoria’s Artwalk, Saturday December 14th. Always a favorite exhibition at Imogen, this year’s annual exhibition will not disappoint. Functional and nonfunctional work will be included in this unique exhibition of textile-based arts. Color, texture, and composition form the backbone of this diverse collection designed with the gift giving season in mind. Included to the diverse array is the 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional wall hung work by Kimberly Lakin, photogram on linen wall pieces by Pamela Chipman, abstract felted wool sculpture by Karen Thurman, “Freq Flags”, “Sails” and “Bonnets for Space Exploration” by Jenny Rideout, nuno felted scarves and wraps by Julie Kern Smith, abstract wall hung fiber art of Susan Circone, intricate needle woven beaded jewelry by Celeste Olivares, large scale needle felted figurative sculpture by Amelia Santiago, large scale crocheted pieces by Jo Hamilton, detailed needle felted mini sculpture by Patti Breidenbach and 3-d painted fiber based sculpture by Kathy Karbo. Join us in celebrating the season with the artists, Saturday 12/14, 5 – 8 pm. The exhibition will remain on view through January 6.
Fiber based art has a long running history, with weaving techniques dating back to Neolithic times some 12,000 years ago. It is respected as one of the oldest surviving craft forms in the world that evolved from multiple cultures, including the Incans who utilized textiles as currency, which held a more prominent role than gold for trade. Native Americans, for centuries have created elaborate basketry for all uses, including vessels that were watertight, made from regionally known plant materials. Middle Eastern nomadic tribes, have been respected for intricate hand knotted rugs made of wool and silk, dating back over 4000 years, and the rich illustrative tapestries of the 14th and 15th centuries of European cultures, all helped to forge what we appreciate as textile-based art today. The term “fiber arts” came to be applied much later; post World War II with the insurgence of the craft movement. With this came the recognition of craft as fine art and the diminished idea of utilitarian needs.
Hook, Pulp & Weave is a collection of just a few examples of what textile or fiber art has evolved into. With the lessening of the importance of function, and the consideration of pure artistic expression being delivered through the fiber medium, artists have found a new voice to explore ancient arts, utilizing texture, color, and form. While some of the work included to this exhibition is functional, many pieces are based strictly on the principle of art form, utilizing fiber to create compelling and complex pieces.
We welcome back the intricate wall hung abstract compositions of Susan Circone from Portland. Her imagery places focus on subtle use of texture, pattern, and color. Coming from a career in geological sciences, her compositions are inspired by nature. Circone’s work explores the minutiae of the physical and natural world. She finds inspiration in the structures, textures, and forms observed in both organic and inorganic matter. The importance of the mundane and the microscopic, ignored, unseen, and often ephemeral, is a reminder of our temporal existence.
Pamela Chipman, also from Portland is known primarily as a photographer. It was during the lockdown in 2020 that she began exploring with transferring her art to fiber during the pandemic. Experimenting with sun activated fiber dyes, she creates fabric prints from her negatives and local plant materials.
We are excited to once again include the spectacular crocheted “paintings” of Portland based artist, Jo Hamilton. Her large scale figurative and landscape-based work has been shown around the world, including China, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Scottland (her home country) and Australia and included to many distinguished private and corporate collections. For this year’s exhibition she includes several portraiture based pieces.
Kathy Karbo includes her latest series of hand cut, stitched and painted 3-dimensional trees, creating mini forest installations focusing on the serene beauty of fall and winter.
Patti Breidenbach brings her delightfully small yet incredibly intricate needle woven sculpture. Always playful in nature and sure to bring a smile to anyone. This year she brings the kitsch of the holiday spirit.
Celeste Olivares of Astoria brings a new collection of her intricately needle woven beaded necklaces and earrings. Each piece is an exotic one-of-a-kind design utilizing semi-precious stones, vintage glass, and crystal, often incorporating found objects. She exquisitely combines brilliant color and form with a result of timeless and original jewelry pieces.
We are also excited to welcome back the needle felted sculpture by Astoria artist, Amelia Santiago. Her lifelike large scale figurative sculpture is created with careful attention to detail. She creates solid wool sculpture by hand, a painstaking process of forming felted wool through needle work into realistic creatures, this year focusing on man’s best friend, our canine friends. Amelia is known for both her work with wool as well as her other love, painting.
Julie Kern Smith of Portland returns with her rich and sophisticated wraps made of nuno felted wool and repurposed silk from vintage scarves and kimonos. Her choice of materials is exquisitely brought together through fusion of fiber, creating elegant and tactile wearable art forms.
Kimberly Lakin of Portland returns with her wall hung fabric pieces. She enjoys working with fiber medium for its tactile and sculptural qualities, describing it as the line between two and three dimensions. Utilizing traditional techniques in non-traditional ways, she creates intricate abstract compositions emulating nature.
We also welcome back the work of Jenny Rideout, formerly of Portland who now is happy to call Astoria home. She brings a new series of “Sails, Freq Flags and “Bonnets for Space Exploration”, all created to aid in navigation within a mythical world, fusing the ancient with the futuristic. Utilizing reclaimed textiles and hand drawn elements, each piece tells a visual story with flora, fauna and symbol, thoughtfully brought together to create rich and dynamic compositions.
Also included to this year’s exhibition is the felted abstract wool sculpture of Karen Thurman from Portland. Her spectacular use of color enhances her playful forms based on animal and plant life. She brings free standing as well as hanging sculpture to this year’s show.
Hook, Pulp & Weave
A celebration of fiber as art
We’re excited to host the annual Hook, Pulp and Weave once again, a rich and diverse invitational exhibition exploring fiber as art, opening in conjunction with Astoria’s Artwalk, Saturday December 14th. Always a favorite exhibition at Imogen, this year’s annual exhibition will not disappoint. Functional and nonfunctional work will be included in this unique exhibition of textile-based arts. Color, texture, and composition form the backbone of this diverse collection designed with the gift giving season in mind. Included to the diverse array is the 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional wall hung work by Kimberly Lakin, photogram on linen wall pieces by Pamela Chipman, abstract felted wool sculpture by Karen Thurman, “Freq Flags”, “Sails” and “Bonnets for Space Exploration” by Jenny Rideout, nuno felted scarves and wraps by Julie Kern Smith, abstract wall hung fiber art of Susan Circone, intricate needle woven beaded jewelry by Celeste Olivares, large scale needle felted figurative sculpture by Amelia Santiago, large scale crocheted pieces by Jo Hamilton, detailed needle felted mini sculpture by Patti Breidenbach and 3-d painted fiber based sculpture by Kathy Karbo. Join us in celebrating the season with the artists, Saturday 12/14, 5 – 8 pm. The exhibition will remain on view through January 6.
Fiber based art has a long running history, with weaving techniques dating back to Neolithic times some 12,000 years ago. It is respected as one of the oldest surviving craft forms in the world that evolved from multiple cultures, including the Incans who utilized textiles as currency, which held a more prominent role than gold for trade. Native Americans, for centuries have created elaborate basketry for all uses, including vessels that were watertight, made from regionally known plant materials. Middle Eastern nomadic tribes, have been respected for intricate hand knotted rugs made of wool and silk, dating back over 4000 years, and the rich illustrative tapestries of the 14th and 15th centuries of European cultures, all helped to forge what we appreciate as textile-based art today. The term “fiber arts” came to be applied much later; post World War II with the insurgence of the craft movement. With this came the recognition of craft as fine art and the diminished idea of utilitarian needs.
Hook, Pulp & Weave is a collection of just a few examples of what textile or fiber art has evolved into. With the lessening of the importance of function, and the consideration of pure artistic expression being delivered through the fiber medium, artists have found a new voice to explore ancient arts, utilizing texture, color, and form. While some of the work included to this exhibition is functional, many pieces are based strictly on the principle of art form, utilizing fiber to create compelling and complex pieces.
We welcome back the intricate wall hung abstract compositions of Susan Circone from Portland. Her imagery places focus on subtle use of texture, pattern, and color. Coming from a career in geological sciences, her compositions are inspired by nature. Circone’s work explores the minutiae of the physical and natural world. She finds inspiration in the structures, textures, and forms observed in both organic and inorganic matter. The importance of the mundane and the microscopic, ignored, unseen, and often ephemeral, is a reminder of our temporal existence.
Pamela Chipman, also from Portland is known primarily as a photographer. It was during the lockdown in 2020 that she began exploring with transferring her art to fiber during the pandemic. Experimenting with sun activated fiber dyes, she creates fabric prints from her negatives and local plant materials.
We are excited to once again include the spectacular crocheted “paintings” of Portland based artist, Jo Hamilton. Her large scale figurative and landscape-based work has been shown around the world, including China, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Scottland (her home country) and Australia and included to many distinguished private and corporate collections. For this year’s exhibition she includes several portraiture based pieces.
Kathy Karbo includes her latest series of hand cut, stitched and painted 3-dimensional trees, creating mini forest installations focusing on the serene beauty of fall and winter.
Patti Breidenbach brings her delightfully small yet incredibly intricate needle woven sculpture. Always playful in nature and sure to bring a smile to anyone. This year she brings the kitsch of the holiday spirit.
Celeste Olivares of Astoria brings a new collection of her intricately needle woven beaded necklaces and earrings. Each piece is an exotic one-of-a-kind design utilizing semi-precious stones, vintage glass, and crystal, often incorporating found objects. She exquisitely combines brilliant color and form with a result of timeless and original jewelry pieces.
We are also excited to welcome back the needle felted sculpture by Astoria artist, Amelia Santiago. Her lifelike large scale figurative sculpture is created with careful attention to detail. She creates solid wool sculpture by hand, a painstaking process of forming felted wool through needle work into realistic creatures, this year focusing on man’s best friend, our canine friends. Amelia is known for both her work with wool as well as her other love, painting.
Julie Kern Smith of Portland returns with her rich and sophisticated wraps made of nuno felted wool and repurposed silk from vintage scarves and kimonos. Her choice of materials is exquisitely brought together through fusion of fiber, creating elegant and tactile wearable art forms.
Kimberly Lakin of Portland returns with her wall hung fabric pieces. She enjoys working with fiber medium for its tactile and sculptural qualities, describing it as the line between two and three dimensions. Utilizing traditional techniques in non-traditional ways, she creates intricate abstract compositions emulating nature.
We also welcome back the work of Jenny Rideout, formerly of Portland who now is happy to call Astoria home. She brings a new series of “Sails, Freq Flags and “Bonnets for Space Exploration”, all created to aid in navigation within a mythical world, fusing the ancient with the futuristic. Utilizing reclaimed textiles and hand drawn elements, each piece tells a visual story with flora, fauna and symbol, thoughtfully brought together to create rich and dynamic compositions.
Also included to this year’s exhibition is the felted abstract wool sculpture of Karen Thurman from Portland. Her spectacular use of color enhances her playful forms based on animal and plant life. She brings free standing as well as hanging sculpture to this year’s show.
November 2024 Exhibit
Facing You
Our 10th annual invitational portraiture exhibition
Pippa Arend, Reed Clarke, Patricia Giraud, Yasmina Nysten, Timothy Peitsch, Amelia Santiago, and Ruth Shively
Imogen is pleased to be presenting its tenth annual invitational exhibition exploring humanity through portraiture. This year’s exhibition will include the paintings of Portland based artists Pippa Arend, Reed Clarke, Patricia L. Giraud and Ruth Shively as well as local Astoria talent of Yasmina Nysten, Timothy Peitsch, and Amelia Santiago; all exploring the essence of humanity. This evocative collection moves beyond a surface glance of an individual, inviting the viewer a step closer and to consider the underlying. Perhaps even to see ourselves through the eyes of others and what it means to be a part of humankind. Each portrait tells a story; we invite you to take part. The exhibition opens during Astoria’s Second Saturday Artwalk, November 9th, 12:00 – 8:00 pm and will be on view through December 9th. Artists will be at the gallery from 5 – 8 pm, November 9th and available to answer questions about their work.
Many artists at some point in their career have placed focus on the human form as subject matter, for some it’s a practice of study, for others it’s a means to participate with humanity on a more intimate level. All of these artists fall into that category. Portraiture becomes a vehicle utilized to explore deeper reflection of who we are and what we convey via nonverbal communication, simply by stance, expression, or direction of gaze. These artists, all incredibly skilled with chosen medium bring suggestion of story and history through portrayal of individuals.
Pippa Arend, a Portland based artist includes three portraits to this year’s show. Painting in an expressionistic style which she refers to as “Splash Portraiture,” she works in loose washes of sheer and vibrant color overlapping defined form, placing focus on layers to create compelling composition. Her portraits and other works have been collected internationally and been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions around the country.
Reed Clarke of Portland, Oregon has dedicated much of his career as a fine artist, painting others. Often his subjects are known literary greats. Clarke also creates his own characters, referencing people he’s observed in daily life while bringing in elements to create dynamic composition. Known for his skill as a painter and printmaker, he has had his work juried into Clatsop Community College’s, prestigious Au Naturel: Nudes in the 21st Century exhibition several years running, receiving a first prize award as well as a purchase award from CCC. His skill is apparent in the nuance of palette to create mood and emotion through an intimate look and consideration into another’s experience, perhaps with a goal of fostering greater understanding and acceptance of who we are. About his work Clarke states:
“Faces and figures inhabit all my paintings and when I try to stray from this subject something I can’t resist always calls me back. In my work I hope to elicit a statement about being human that is familiar, and also seems impossible to say as clearly or completely in other mediums. When possible, I seek to emphasize the geometric shapes formed by different parts of the composition and bring out the abstract surface rhythms of the composition. Ultimately however, I’m striving for a balance between recording a human subject that is compelling and creating a paint surface on the canvas that engages and rewards the viewer.”
We are excited to welcome Patricia L. Giraud to this year’s exhibition. An accomplished print maker from Portland, Giraud includes her intaglio prints focusing on the human form. Taking inspiration from the natural world she places the figure within the landscape. While not necessarily traditional portraiture, her figurative work depicts a somewhat mysterious quality, conjuring a deep sense of nostalgia. About her work she states: “Intaglio offers a variety of techniques with which to express anatomy, forms shaped by light and shadow, large forces at work and intimate moments.” Giraud’s work has been widely exhibited with her work placed in collections throughout the US, Canada, and England.
Also new to this year’s exhibition are the large-scale oil paintings by Yasmina Nysten a Finnish/Lebanese artist. Nysten, who now calls Astoria home, brings three paintings, showcasing her vast experience in figurative painting. Typically taking a narrative approach and alluding to storytelling she keeps focus on the individual portrayed. Vivid and striking color add to an overall mood, setting the tone for each piece. About her work she states: “The evolution of my artistic process has been marked by a dynamic interplay between intentionality and serendipity. While I’ve explored a wide array of mediums—acrylic, oil, markers, ink, and more—the one unchanging element that threads through all my work is a deep, unwavering preoccupation with the human form as the central subject, the axis around which my explorations and experiments inevitably revolve.” Nysten has exhibited her work extensively across the globe, including an exhibition in Qatar and previously in Beirut, Paris, Dubai and New York City as well as many other art venues throughout the world.
We are pleased to be welcoming back the exquisitely rendered work of Astoria artist, Timothy Peitsch. Peitsch has always enjoyed the challenge of portraiture, considering it the purest subject matter, the most recognizable. For him it’s an exploration of personality, with the goal of capturing something beyond the surface and finding an understanding or hint of who someone is, not merely what they appear to be. About his work he states: “A portrait is the most enjoyable platform for me to work from. I’ve always loved the viewers’ reaction to them. It seems like everyone brings their own narrative and life experience to my portraits. Inevitably the viewers will begin to tell me stories about a person they knew or a personal experience they had. It’s always fascinating to me that a portrait will trigger those memories and emotions in a person.”
Also included to this year’s exhibition is the work of Amelia Santiago. Santiago, who lives in Astoria is not new to Imogen, some may recall her incredible felted sculpture of our canine friends and other elaborate needle felted wool sculptural pieces. She balances her work as a fiber artist equally with her love of the painting process. After graduating from Pacific Northwest College of Art, Santiago traveled to Iceland where she became enamored with wool fiber, this led to a decade long career of creating 3-dimensional animal portraiture. Still, she never let the process of painting stray too far. About her work and processes she states: “I have been making art my entire life and I have always been drawn to the figure, both human and animal and often the two together. To me, painting a portrait is not only about the sitter but equally about the artist as well. I see myself in the images I make, and I think about the human condition.”
Joining us again is Ruth Shively, a Portland based artist. Typically drawn to imagery of women she portrays quiet resilience and an innate sense of strength and beauty. About her work she states: “I work largely with the figure, concentrating on women. In awe of the strength women behold, I feel the need to express their character through my work. I can’t explain how I choose my subjects, I go with my instinct and immediate feelings and drawn to stark, positive/negative space. I like humor, mysteriousness, and intimate mood, wanting the viewer to make their own interpretation. I studied drawing and illustration in school but I’m a self-taught painter and prefer this medium as I love the spontaneity of the paint and using color to create space.” Shively, who grew up in the Midwest, has lived in Paris, New York City, Minneapolis and now Portland. She has exhibited her work in numerous group and solo exhibitions that have taken her from Los Angeles to New York and many venues in between.
Facing You
Our 10th annual invitational portraiture exhibition
Pippa Arend, Reed Clarke, Patricia Giraud, Yasmina Nysten, Timothy Peitsch, Amelia Santiago, and Ruth Shively
Imogen is pleased to be presenting its tenth annual invitational exhibition exploring humanity through portraiture. This year’s exhibition will include the paintings of Portland based artists Pippa Arend, Reed Clarke, Patricia L. Giraud and Ruth Shively as well as local Astoria talent of Yasmina Nysten, Timothy Peitsch, and Amelia Santiago; all exploring the essence of humanity. This evocative collection moves beyond a surface glance of an individual, inviting the viewer a step closer and to consider the underlying. Perhaps even to see ourselves through the eyes of others and what it means to be a part of humankind. Each portrait tells a story; we invite you to take part. The exhibition opens during Astoria’s Second Saturday Artwalk, November 9th, 12:00 – 8:00 pm and will be on view through December 9th. Artists will be at the gallery from 5 – 8 pm, November 9th and available to answer questions about their work.
Many artists at some point in their career have placed focus on the human form as subject matter, for some it’s a practice of study, for others it’s a means to participate with humanity on a more intimate level. All of these artists fall into that category. Portraiture becomes a vehicle utilized to explore deeper reflection of who we are and what we convey via nonverbal communication, simply by stance, expression, or direction of gaze. These artists, all incredibly skilled with chosen medium bring suggestion of story and history through portrayal of individuals.
Pippa Arend, a Portland based artist includes three portraits to this year’s show. Painting in an expressionistic style which she refers to as “Splash Portraiture,” she works in loose washes of sheer and vibrant color overlapping defined form, placing focus on layers to create compelling composition. Her portraits and other works have been collected internationally and been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions around the country.
Reed Clarke of Portland, Oregon has dedicated much of his career as a fine artist, painting others. Often his subjects are known literary greats. Clarke also creates his own characters, referencing people he’s observed in daily life while bringing in elements to create dynamic composition. Known for his skill as a painter and printmaker, he has had his work juried into Clatsop Community College’s, prestigious Au Naturel: Nudes in the 21st Century exhibition several years running, receiving a first prize award as well as a purchase award from CCC. His skill is apparent in the nuance of palette to create mood and emotion through an intimate look and consideration into another’s experience, perhaps with a goal of fostering greater understanding and acceptance of who we are. About his work Clarke states:
“Faces and figures inhabit all my paintings and when I try to stray from this subject something I can’t resist always calls me back. In my work I hope to elicit a statement about being human that is familiar, and also seems impossible to say as clearly or completely in other mediums. When possible, I seek to emphasize the geometric shapes formed by different parts of the composition and bring out the abstract surface rhythms of the composition. Ultimately however, I’m striving for a balance between recording a human subject that is compelling and creating a paint surface on the canvas that engages and rewards the viewer.”
We are excited to welcome Patricia L. Giraud to this year’s exhibition. An accomplished print maker from Portland, Giraud includes her intaglio prints focusing on the human form. Taking inspiration from the natural world she places the figure within the landscape. While not necessarily traditional portraiture, her figurative work depicts a somewhat mysterious quality, conjuring a deep sense of nostalgia. About her work she states: “Intaglio offers a variety of techniques with which to express anatomy, forms shaped by light and shadow, large forces at work and intimate moments.” Giraud’s work has been widely exhibited with her work placed in collections throughout the US, Canada, and England.
Also new to this year’s exhibition are the large-scale oil paintings by Yasmina Nysten a Finnish/Lebanese artist. Nysten, who now calls Astoria home, brings three paintings, showcasing her vast experience in figurative painting. Typically taking a narrative approach and alluding to storytelling she keeps focus on the individual portrayed. Vivid and striking color add to an overall mood, setting the tone for each piece. About her work she states: “The evolution of my artistic process has been marked by a dynamic interplay between intentionality and serendipity. While I’ve explored a wide array of mediums—acrylic, oil, markers, ink, and more—the one unchanging element that threads through all my work is a deep, unwavering preoccupation with the human form as the central subject, the axis around which my explorations and experiments inevitably revolve.” Nysten has exhibited her work extensively across the globe, including an exhibition in Qatar and previously in Beirut, Paris, Dubai and New York City as well as many other art venues throughout the world.
We are pleased to be welcoming back the exquisitely rendered work of Astoria artist, Timothy Peitsch. Peitsch has always enjoyed the challenge of portraiture, considering it the purest subject matter, the most recognizable. For him it’s an exploration of personality, with the goal of capturing something beyond the surface and finding an understanding or hint of who someone is, not merely what they appear to be. About his work he states: “A portrait is the most enjoyable platform for me to work from. I’ve always loved the viewers’ reaction to them. It seems like everyone brings their own narrative and life experience to my portraits. Inevitably the viewers will begin to tell me stories about a person they knew or a personal experience they had. It’s always fascinating to me that a portrait will trigger those memories and emotions in a person.”
Also included to this year’s exhibition is the work of Amelia Santiago. Santiago, who lives in Astoria is not new to Imogen, some may recall her incredible felted sculpture of our canine friends and other elaborate needle felted wool sculptural pieces. She balances her work as a fiber artist equally with her love of the painting process. After graduating from Pacific Northwest College of Art, Santiago traveled to Iceland where she became enamored with wool fiber, this led to a decade long career of creating 3-dimensional animal portraiture. Still, she never let the process of painting stray too far. About her work and processes she states: “I have been making art my entire life and I have always been drawn to the figure, both human and animal and often the two together. To me, painting a portrait is not only about the sitter but equally about the artist as well. I see myself in the images I make, and I think about the human condition.”
Joining us again is Ruth Shively, a Portland based artist. Typically drawn to imagery of women she portrays quiet resilience and an innate sense of strength and beauty. About her work she states: “I work largely with the figure, concentrating on women. In awe of the strength women behold, I feel the need to express their character through my work. I can’t explain how I choose my subjects, I go with my instinct and immediate feelings and drawn to stark, positive/negative space. I like humor, mysteriousness, and intimate mood, wanting the viewer to make their own interpretation. I studied drawing and illustration in school but I’m a self-taught painter and prefer this medium as I love the spontaneity of the paint and using color to create space.” Shively, who grew up in the Midwest, has lived in Paris, New York City, Minneapolis and now Portland. She has exhibited her work in numerous group and solo exhibitions that have taken her from Los Angeles to New York and many venues in between.
October 2024 Exhibit
Clay Bodies
An invitational ceramic exhibition
October 12 – November 4
We are excited to be hosting a group invitational ceramic exhibition curated by local ceramic artist Molly Schulps and includes the work of herself, Ryana Lawson, Brian McNamara, José Flores Nava, Miles Nielsen, Michelle Valigura, and Paige Wright. The exhibition, Clay Bodies will be representative of a variety of styles, including hyper realism, stylized, figurative, narrative, installation, character driven and anthropomorphic. The exhibition opens in conjunction with Astoria’s Artwalk, Saturday October 12, 12 – 8 pm, several of the artists will be here that evening 5 – 8 pm and available to answer questions about their work. The exhibition will be on view through November 4th.
Molly Schulps, known for her functional and sculptural, hand-built and wheel thrown work celebrating flora and fauna, has put together a diverse and thoughtful collection of ceramic sculpture artists for the show Clay Bodies. About the exhibition she states: “Clay Bodies is an exhibition that explores a variety of contemporary ceramic sculpture. The artists work in a variety of processes and styles, which includes figurative, installation, trompe l’oeil, narrative, caricature, and sculptural vessels. The work itself is a small survey of the ever-changing scope of ceramics and how it continues to evolve.”
Schulps relocated to Astoria from Los Angeles where she was head of the Ceramics Program at Cypress College, beginning in 2004. She recently left that position to open her own teaching studio, Columbia Clayworks here in Astoria. She earned her Masters of Fine Arts, with distinction from California State University, Northridge in 2001 and has exhibited her ceramic work nationally as well as facilitating and presenting multiple ceramic workshops over the years. Her joyful ceramic work exudes positivity like a sunny day while reminding all the importance of wildlife conservation efforts. About her work she states: “There is a vulnerability that animals face because of human beings, which creates fragility and damages the ecosystem. My interest in creating visual narratives that include animals has long been a way to reflect on our tenuous relationship with nature and connect to my concerns about the environment and a responsibility to protect. I work in series, which lets me explore themes and develop narratives over time. This series is about dreams and vulnerabilities.”
Along with Molly’s work will be the Yakimon figures of Miles Nielsen who lives here in Astoria. Besides being a talented ceramic artist who is widely collected he is also the proprietor along with his father of Munktiki, creating a line of collectable tiki mugs as well as Dead Man’s Isle, perhaps Astoria’s first full-fledged tiki bar. For the exhibition Clay Bodies, Miles includes his highly sought after Yakimon figures. Miles’ work, inspired by Japanese culture creates his own characters, Yakimon—combining "yaki," meaning fired, and "mon," for monster. His characters are inspired by the tokusatsu genre of live-action shows. Each character inhabits a world that has evolved into a Japanese underground wrestling storyline. About his work he states, “This work aims to capture the essence of vintage Japanese soft vinyl toys, or Sofubi, in ceramic form. Through Yakimon, I invite viewers into the playful and imaginative universe my characters inhabit.”
José Flores Nava from Southern California brings his slip cast and hand-built sculpture, utilizing the vessel to hold/contain farm produce and act as metaphor to the experience of the undocumented immigrant. About his work he states, “As a potter, it’s my job to give meaning to the vessel. Vessels that are used as a substitute to the human body; vessels that resemble outdoor utilitarian objects; or vessels that echo the phrase “farm to table.” As an immigrant, it’s my duty to use my voice to speak about the undocumented laborer. In my artistic practice, I have chosen to represent familiar produce in an unfamiliar way by crafting slip-cast vegetables from stoneware. These sculptures, both strong and fragile, are brightly painted to draw attention to their presence. By nesting them within forms associated with outdoor utility or domestic vessels like buckets, cans, and bowls, I invite viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of our society and the individuals whose labor sustains it.” José Flores Nava holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts from California State University, Fullerton. Places he has exhibited include, Grand Central Art Center, Irvine Fine Arts Center, American Museum of Ceramic Art, Riverside Art Museum, Brea Gallery, ALMA’S RVA, Eutectic Gallery, and Northern Clay Center.
Brian McNamara, also from California includes his figurative sculpture. McNamara draws inspiration from his Mexican/Irish heritage as well as his early childhood. He taps into the nostalgia of action figures of the 90’s, specifically referencing the luchadores of Mexico. About his work he states: “sense of play is integral to my work, inviting viewers to reconnect with their own cherished memories of childhood and exploring the world around them- a time when imagination reigned supreme. The luchador figures serve as a bridge between my mixed Mexican and Irish heritage and the broader experience of holding diverse identities.” McNamara earned his Masters in Fine Arts in Ceramics from Tyler School of Art and Architecture and now teaches at Chico State, he has also taught at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, Hood College in Maryland, and Butte College in California.
Ryana Lawson of Seattle brings an installation piece, focusing on hand-built objects inspired by the natural world and in her own words “objects of existential curiosity and whimsy. Each piece is adorned in the flora and fauna from my dreams in a subtle narrative applying magic to the mundane.” Lawson received her MFA from Pennsylvania State University in 2019. In 2017, she was an Artist in Residence at Flower City Arts back in Rochester and received a post-baccalaureate education from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2016. She graduated with a BFA from The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 2015. She has exhibited her work nationally.
Michelle Valigura of Cannon Beach brings hand-built sculpture echoing her background in stop motion animation design, (including Elf, and the Simpsons) and her love of mid-century aesthetics that directly translate into her work. She now owns and operates her own studio/showroom, Basalt Studio located in Cannon Beach. Prior to that she had her own design company, partnering with companies such as Disneyland, Kidrobot, Paradise Toys and other art brands. She has exhibited her work, lectured, and taught workshops at galleries, museums, and universities worldwide.
Paige Wright from Portland is known for her expressive ceramic faces, reminiscent of classical busts she hand builds each persona embellishing with texture, color, and pattern. About the work she includes to Clay Bodies she states: “these works are rooted in the ceramic process that grow from the fascination with the human mechanism, relinquishing to daydreams and quest for craft.” She received her Bachelors in Fine Arts with an emphasis in ceramics from The University of Montana in Missoula in 2006. She has participated in several artists in residence programs including the Carbondale Clay Center's long term residency program, Red Lodge Clay Center's year long residency program, Ohio University study abroad program at The International Ceramics Studio in Kecskemét, Hungary, and Project Network at the International Ceramics Research Center: Guldagergaard, Denmark. She received her Masters in Fine Arts with emphasis in ceramics from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio in 2012. She has held positions at Ohio University, Grand Valley State University, The Oregon College of Arts and Crafts, Clark College, Radius Art Center, Idyllwild Arts Academy and Pratt and Larson Tile. She conducts workshops and lectures around the country. Recently shown with Eutectic Gallery, The Chefas Projects, Antler and Talon Gallery and the Salem Art Association.
Clay Bodies
An invitational ceramic exhibition
October 12 – November 4
We are excited to be hosting a group invitational ceramic exhibition curated by local ceramic artist Molly Schulps and includes the work of herself, Ryana Lawson, Brian McNamara, José Flores Nava, Miles Nielsen, Michelle Valigura, and Paige Wright. The exhibition, Clay Bodies will be representative of a variety of styles, including hyper realism, stylized, figurative, narrative, installation, character driven and anthropomorphic. The exhibition opens in conjunction with Astoria’s Artwalk, Saturday October 12, 12 – 8 pm, several of the artists will be here that evening 5 – 8 pm and available to answer questions about their work. The exhibition will be on view through November 4th.
Molly Schulps, known for her functional and sculptural, hand-built and wheel thrown work celebrating flora and fauna, has put together a diverse and thoughtful collection of ceramic sculpture artists for the show Clay Bodies. About the exhibition she states: “Clay Bodies is an exhibition that explores a variety of contemporary ceramic sculpture. The artists work in a variety of processes and styles, which includes figurative, installation, trompe l’oeil, narrative, caricature, and sculptural vessels. The work itself is a small survey of the ever-changing scope of ceramics and how it continues to evolve.”
Schulps relocated to Astoria from Los Angeles where she was head of the Ceramics Program at Cypress College, beginning in 2004. She recently left that position to open her own teaching studio, Columbia Clayworks here in Astoria. She earned her Masters of Fine Arts, with distinction from California State University, Northridge in 2001 and has exhibited her ceramic work nationally as well as facilitating and presenting multiple ceramic workshops over the years. Her joyful ceramic work exudes positivity like a sunny day while reminding all the importance of wildlife conservation efforts. About her work she states: “There is a vulnerability that animals face because of human beings, which creates fragility and damages the ecosystem. My interest in creating visual narratives that include animals has long been a way to reflect on our tenuous relationship with nature and connect to my concerns about the environment and a responsibility to protect. I work in series, which lets me explore themes and develop narratives over time. This series is about dreams and vulnerabilities.”
Along with Molly’s work will be the Yakimon figures of Miles Nielsen who lives here in Astoria. Besides being a talented ceramic artist who is widely collected he is also the proprietor along with his father of Munktiki, creating a line of collectable tiki mugs as well as Dead Man’s Isle, perhaps Astoria’s first full-fledged tiki bar. For the exhibition Clay Bodies, Miles includes his highly sought after Yakimon figures. Miles’ work, inspired by Japanese culture creates his own characters, Yakimon—combining "yaki," meaning fired, and "mon," for monster. His characters are inspired by the tokusatsu genre of live-action shows. Each character inhabits a world that has evolved into a Japanese underground wrestling storyline. About his work he states, “This work aims to capture the essence of vintage Japanese soft vinyl toys, or Sofubi, in ceramic form. Through Yakimon, I invite viewers into the playful and imaginative universe my characters inhabit.”
José Flores Nava from Southern California brings his slip cast and hand-built sculpture, utilizing the vessel to hold/contain farm produce and act as metaphor to the experience of the undocumented immigrant. About his work he states, “As a potter, it’s my job to give meaning to the vessel. Vessels that are used as a substitute to the human body; vessels that resemble outdoor utilitarian objects; or vessels that echo the phrase “farm to table.” As an immigrant, it’s my duty to use my voice to speak about the undocumented laborer. In my artistic practice, I have chosen to represent familiar produce in an unfamiliar way by crafting slip-cast vegetables from stoneware. These sculptures, both strong and fragile, are brightly painted to draw attention to their presence. By nesting them within forms associated with outdoor utility or domestic vessels like buckets, cans, and bowls, I invite viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of our society and the individuals whose labor sustains it.” José Flores Nava holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts from California State University, Fullerton. Places he has exhibited include, Grand Central Art Center, Irvine Fine Arts Center, American Museum of Ceramic Art, Riverside Art Museum, Brea Gallery, ALMA’S RVA, Eutectic Gallery, and Northern Clay Center.
Brian McNamara, also from California includes his figurative sculpture. McNamara draws inspiration from his Mexican/Irish heritage as well as his early childhood. He taps into the nostalgia of action figures of the 90’s, specifically referencing the luchadores of Mexico. About his work he states: “sense of play is integral to my work, inviting viewers to reconnect with their own cherished memories of childhood and exploring the world around them- a time when imagination reigned supreme. The luchador figures serve as a bridge between my mixed Mexican and Irish heritage and the broader experience of holding diverse identities.” McNamara earned his Masters in Fine Arts in Ceramics from Tyler School of Art and Architecture and now teaches at Chico State, he has also taught at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, Hood College in Maryland, and Butte College in California.
Ryana Lawson of Seattle brings an installation piece, focusing on hand-built objects inspired by the natural world and in her own words “objects of existential curiosity and whimsy. Each piece is adorned in the flora and fauna from my dreams in a subtle narrative applying magic to the mundane.” Lawson received her MFA from Pennsylvania State University in 2019. In 2017, she was an Artist in Residence at Flower City Arts back in Rochester and received a post-baccalaureate education from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2016. She graduated with a BFA from The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in 2015. She has exhibited her work nationally.
Michelle Valigura of Cannon Beach brings hand-built sculpture echoing her background in stop motion animation design, (including Elf, and the Simpsons) and her love of mid-century aesthetics that directly translate into her work. She now owns and operates her own studio/showroom, Basalt Studio located in Cannon Beach. Prior to that she had her own design company, partnering with companies such as Disneyland, Kidrobot, Paradise Toys and other art brands. She has exhibited her work, lectured, and taught workshops at galleries, museums, and universities worldwide.
Paige Wright from Portland is known for her expressive ceramic faces, reminiscent of classical busts she hand builds each persona embellishing with texture, color, and pattern. About the work she includes to Clay Bodies she states: “these works are rooted in the ceramic process that grow from the fascination with the human mechanism, relinquishing to daydreams and quest for craft.” She received her Bachelors in Fine Arts with an emphasis in ceramics from The University of Montana in Missoula in 2006. She has participated in several artists in residence programs including the Carbondale Clay Center's long term residency program, Red Lodge Clay Center's year long residency program, Ohio University study abroad program at The International Ceramics Studio in Kecskemét, Hungary, and Project Network at the International Ceramics Research Center: Guldagergaard, Denmark. She received her Masters in Fine Arts with emphasis in ceramics from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio in 2012. She has held positions at Ohio University, Grand Valley State University, The Oregon College of Arts and Crafts, Clark College, Radius Art Center, Idyllwild Arts Academy and Pratt and Larson Tile. She conducts workshops and lectures around the country. Recently shown with Eutectic Gallery, The Chefas Projects, Antler and Talon Gallery and the Salem Art Association.
September 2024 Exhibit
Laura Hamje At the Beach: Mirrors & Reflections of the Subconscious
Deb Stoner Natural Wonders
September 14 – October 7
We are honored to present two exciting solo exhibitions in September. In our south gallery space, we welcome back Laura Hamje and her dynamic oil paintings. She brings a powerful new collection, At the Beach: Mirrors & Reflections of the Subconscious, inspired by living on the water's edge and the simple yet profound power of beauty and introspect it provides. In our front gallery we are honored to present a third solo exhibition for photographer Deb Stoner. She brings Natural Wonders, a new series of photographic still life prints. Both shows open during Astoria’s Artwalk, Saturday, September 14th, 12 – 8 pm. Laura Hamje and Deb Stoner will both be at the gallery for the opening reception September 14th, 5 – 8 pm, please stop by and say hello. The exhibitions will remain on view through October 7th.
Laura Hamje’s latest series At the Beach: Mirrors & Reflections of the Subconscious is an exquisite collection of oil paintings of all scale. For this series, Hamje places primary focus on the sublime place where land meets sea. Having lived on the Puget Sound for the past couple of years, she spent countless hours studying the water’s edge, the play of light dancing across water’s surface, patterns of fractal wave movement, reverberating from wind meeting current. Hamje carefully depicts these elements, leaving the impression of sound and scent for the viewer. About this series she shares “Certain landscapes invoke specific states of mind. Images from the beach are meditations on the connection between matter and air – the line between sky and earth become blurred by ocean waters. It is a place with no divisions and the interconnectedness of all things is omnipresent.” Her signature gestural style of bold brush stroke adds dimension and drama to what is already sacredly profound.
Hamje has exhibited her work from New York to Los Angeles and many places in between. Her work has been juried into the Royal Nebeker Gallery’s Au Naturel: Nudes in the 21st Century exhibition where she was the recipient of a purchase award. She earned her BFA from the University of Washington, studied in Rome, Italy as well as the Chicago Art Institute. Her work is included in both corporate and private collections across the country.
We are also excited to welcome back Deb Stoner who brings a new series of still life photographs titled Natural Wonders. Stoner, known for her elegant botanical still life photography, reminiscent of the great Dutch master’s paintings, brings a new collection of dye sublimation on aluminum prints. Her photographs, rich in color, texture, and plant life along with the occasional insect or two tucked into composition showcase a vast array of plant life found in her own garden and the gardens of friends and colleagues. These close-up images bring an astonishing view of petal, leaf and velvety stipe inviting the viewer into the fantastical world of botany.
About this series she states: “As I work on each of the still life compositions I make, I’m most curious about finding the story that the flowers and bugs want to tell. There’s a connection between the gardens where I harvested my still life characters, the people who grew these plants or the place where they were found, and the connections between the bugs and butterflies and the flowers where they live (whether fiction or fact). My work as an artist is to find, or create those connections.
Deb Stoner holds an MFA in Applied Design from SDSU, a BS in Geology from UC Davis, and a decades long teaching career at the former Oregon College of Art and Craft. She has been a guest lecturer at the Portland Art Museum, and had her work selected from an international call for artists in 2019 to do a building wrap of the Palos Verdes Art Center in Los Angeles. Her botanical work enshrined the Center throughout 2020. Stoner has juried purchases in the permanent public art collections at University of Oregon, OHSU, PCC, and the Portland International Airport, and is the recipient of numerous grants and residencies while selling her work to enthusiastic collectors around the world.
Laura Hamje At the Beach: Mirrors & Reflections of the Subconscious
Deb Stoner Natural Wonders
September 14 – October 7
We are honored to present two exciting solo exhibitions in September. In our south gallery space, we welcome back Laura Hamje and her dynamic oil paintings. She brings a powerful new collection, At the Beach: Mirrors & Reflections of the Subconscious, inspired by living on the water's edge and the simple yet profound power of beauty and introspect it provides. In our front gallery we are honored to present a third solo exhibition for photographer Deb Stoner. She brings Natural Wonders, a new series of photographic still life prints. Both shows open during Astoria’s Artwalk, Saturday, September 14th, 12 – 8 pm. Laura Hamje and Deb Stoner will both be at the gallery for the opening reception September 14th, 5 – 8 pm, please stop by and say hello. The exhibitions will remain on view through October 7th.
Laura Hamje’s latest series At the Beach: Mirrors & Reflections of the Subconscious is an exquisite collection of oil paintings of all scale. For this series, Hamje places primary focus on the sublime place where land meets sea. Having lived on the Puget Sound for the past couple of years, she spent countless hours studying the water’s edge, the play of light dancing across water’s surface, patterns of fractal wave movement, reverberating from wind meeting current. Hamje carefully depicts these elements, leaving the impression of sound and scent for the viewer. About this series she shares “Certain landscapes invoke specific states of mind. Images from the beach are meditations on the connection between matter and air – the line between sky and earth become blurred by ocean waters. It is a place with no divisions and the interconnectedness of all things is omnipresent.” Her signature gestural style of bold brush stroke adds dimension and drama to what is already sacredly profound.
Hamje has exhibited her work from New York to Los Angeles and many places in between. Her work has been juried into the Royal Nebeker Gallery’s Au Naturel: Nudes in the 21st Century exhibition where she was the recipient of a purchase award. She earned her BFA from the University of Washington, studied in Rome, Italy as well as the Chicago Art Institute. Her work is included in both corporate and private collections across the country.
We are also excited to welcome back Deb Stoner who brings a new series of still life photographs titled Natural Wonders. Stoner, known for her elegant botanical still life photography, reminiscent of the great Dutch master’s paintings, brings a new collection of dye sublimation on aluminum prints. Her photographs, rich in color, texture, and plant life along with the occasional insect or two tucked into composition showcase a vast array of plant life found in her own garden and the gardens of friends and colleagues. These close-up images bring an astonishing view of petal, leaf and velvety stipe inviting the viewer into the fantastical world of botany.
About this series she states: “As I work on each of the still life compositions I make, I’m most curious about finding the story that the flowers and bugs want to tell. There’s a connection between the gardens where I harvested my still life characters, the people who grew these plants or the place where they were found, and the connections between the bugs and butterflies and the flowers where they live (whether fiction or fact). My work as an artist is to find, or create those connections.
Deb Stoner holds an MFA in Applied Design from SDSU, a BS in Geology from UC Davis, and a decades long teaching career at the former Oregon College of Art and Craft. She has been a guest lecturer at the Portland Art Museum, and had her work selected from an international call for artists in 2019 to do a building wrap of the Palos Verdes Art Center in Los Angeles. Her botanical work enshrined the Center throughout 2020. Stoner has juried purchases in the permanent public art collections at University of Oregon, OHSU, PCC, and the Portland International Airport, and is the recipient of numerous grants and residencies while selling her work to enthusiastic collectors around the world.
